This is a huge sum – fair play to all involved!
The 2019 Lollipop Day Campaign was held nationwide on Friday March 1 and Saturday March 2.
From these two days, the Portlaoise committee raised an amazing €3,400 for this very well deserving cause.
One of the organisers, Maria Mulhall, thanked the people of Laois for their generosity.
She said: “The charity would like to extend their sincere appreciation for all the donations received from the good people of Portlaoise.
“It would not have been possible without the help of all the enthusiastic volunteers (including TY students of Portlaoise CBS), and of course the local businesses for facilitating the collection, namely; Mulhall’s Supervalu, Shaws, Aldi, and Kyle centre.”
The Oesophageal Cancer Fund was established to promote awareness of the symptoms of this cancer, improve care and treatment of oesophageal cancer patients and to fund research projects.
The Oesophagus is the hollow tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach.
The reason we sell Lollipops is that difficulty swallowing is one of the first significant symptoms.
Other symptoms include unexplained weight loss, hiccups, persistent indigestion/reflux. The problems arise after food passes into the gullet, it may stick or catch.
Early diagnosis is the key to giving people the best chance of curative treatment for oesophageal cancer.
Ireland has one of the highest rates of the disease in Europe, with 450 new cases annually.
If you would like more information please see www.lollipopday.ie If you would like to get involved in Portlaoise please contact Maria Mulhall 086-1928600.
